It's difficult to fathom that it is one year to the day since Ronnie James Dio left us. Tragedy and sadness have an unusual way of distorting perception of time.

Ronnie was/is a true, true legend and his spirit will live forever through his music. He will never, ever be forgotten. He inspired millions and will continue to do so.

Ronnie's wife and manager Wendy said the following about Dio Disciples, Craig Goldy (guitar), Rudy Sarzo (bass), Simon Wright (drums) and Scott Warren (keyboards), together with Toby Jepson (Fastway) and former Judas Priest/Iced Earth and current Yngwie Malmsteen frontman Tim 'Ripper' Owens, who will be performing Ronnie's classic songs.

"There will never be another Ronnie, but we want to keep his music alive and hope you will support the band and become one of the Dio Disciples."

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German Metal Queen Doro Pesch will be filling in for Ripper Owens for the last four dates of the tour. You can see the full list of tour dates below.

Ripper will be unable to make the Italian and Spanish shows as he will be attending his daughter's wedding.

In a recent interview with Rocksalt.mx, Doro spoke about a new song she has written as a tribute to Ronnie. "I was always such a big fan, like so many other people, just adored him and loved him," she said. "But there's one song, we will be working on that and I think it will be wonderful.

"But I first want to show it to Wendy and let her listen to it, so that's one thing. I kind of want to make many versions of that song, I think it's beautiful and I like it a lot... It's called 'Hero' and it has a beautiful melody and I would like to make many versions of it, like an acoustic version and a full-blown band version and maybe an orchestral version... and we are just working on it.

"I definitely want to take care of that one — that song's nice. But first I want to let Wendy listen to it. I'm really hoping... but I'm sure she will like it a lot. Every time everybody is listening to it in the studio everybody is crying and so — wow — so touching."

Because of Rudy Sarzo's commitment to Blue Oyster Cult, James Lomenzo (Megadeth, Black Label Society, White Lion) will join the band for the European dates until Rudy becomes available.